Welcome to Upstander Influence - the podcast where we dive deep into the minds of leaders reshaping the business world. I’m your host, Jess Hickman—award-winning author, international speaker, and leadership coach dedicated to championing ethical leadership and creating positive workplace cultures.
Each week, I’ll bring you thought-provoking conversations with ethical trailblazers, visionary CEOs, social impact pioneers, and innovative thought leaders from diverse fields. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to lead with integrity and foster environments of empathy.
The Three Pillars of identity with Mahana Culture's founder, Tavale Ilalio
Join Jess Hickman as she dives deep into conversation with Tavale Ilalio, founder of Mahana Culture (https://mahanaculture.com/)—a powerful platform reclaiming ancestral wisdom, cultural storytelling, and intergenerational healing.
In this episode, Jess and Tavale explore the three pillars of identity through Blood, Birth, and Choice:
Blood speaks to the lineage we inherit—our cultural DNA, the values we carry, and the stories that live within us.
Birth honours our ancestors and the places we come from, unpacking how connection to land and lineage shapes our worldview.
Choice explores the brave decisions we make to challenge systems, forge new paths, and honour the legacy we wish to leave behind.
Tavale shares his own transformative journey as a Pasifika leader reclaiming space in a Western world, and how Mahana Culture empowers others to do the same. This episode is a rich invitation to reflect on who we are, where we come from, and the choices that define us.
28 Jan 2025
What is the cost of doing something versus nothing? ESG and global impacts for business leaders with Catherine Marriott OAM
Join Jess Hickman as she dives deep into a vibrant conversation with Catherine Marriott, a trailblazer in the agriculture industry and advocate for sustainable growth.
Fresh off a year of global travels across six continents, Catherine shares insights into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, highlighting their impact on leadership, business practices, and workplace cultures.
From the challenges faced by developing nations to actionable strategies for embedding ESG in meaningful ways, this episode unpacks the complexities of balancing profit with purpose.
Catherine's linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinemarriott?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
27 Jan 2025
Allyship, LGBTIQ+ Advocacy, and Leading with Compassion with Veronica Mason
Jess Hickman sits down with Veronica Mason, a high-performance coach and LGBTIQ+ advocate, to discuss her inspiring journey of advocacy, and leadership.
Veronica shares personal experiences, including overcoming adversity and her recent appointment to the New South Wales LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council.
Together, they explore actionable steps for fostering inclusion, becoming a better ally, and creating supportive environments in both professional and personal settings.
Resources
ACON (https://www.acon.org.au/)
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (https://www.lgbtiqhealth.org.au/)
Twenty10 (https://twenty10.org.au/)
ICLC (https://www.iclc.org.au/)
Pinnacle Foundation (https://thepinnaclefoundation.org/) (LGBTIQA+ Scholarship)
Capyble (https://www.capyble.com/) (for HR and policies)
QLife (https://www.qlife.org.au/)
14 Dec 2024
Words Are All We Have: Steve Vamos on Navigating Change Through Shifts and Shocks
Global leader Steve Vamos shares invaluable lessons on cultivating a care-driven mindset, effective communication, and psychological safety to navigate organisational change and disruption.
15 Feb 2022
Lawrence Breen (Owner & Director) Inland Digital
After working with @inland_digital (https://www.instagram.com/inland_digital/) delivering a workshop last year at the annual company retreat, I was impressed with Lawrence Breen (Owner and Director) approach to workplace culture and goal setting. Therefore, I asked Lawrence to join me on The Upstander Leader podcast.
We discuss all things leadership, including how the pandemic changed business and impacted Lawrence as a leader. We explore the importance of company values and how the Inland Digital team ensure values are lived within the business and client experience every day.
Lawrence also shares tips for current and emerging leaders.
Always a pleasure to chat thanks for joining me LB.
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21 Dec 2021
Philip Donato, MP
We chatted about issues affecting, community, leadership, workplace bullying, and harassment, as well as the rough and tumble of the bear pit which is the NSW Parliament.
Phil shares his experience of entering parliament for the first time and the culture of 'heckling', how he approaches objection, and his passionate drive to always fight for his community to have a voice. An entertaining and insightful conversation.
26 Nov 2021
Jo Farrell - General Manager (ACT) at Kane Constructions & Founder of Build Like A Girl
In this podcast with Jo Farrell ( General Manager (ACT) at Kane Constructions // Founder of Build Like A Girl // Board Director YWCA Canberra) we unpack the challenges Jo faced being a female in the construction industry.
Jo shares a personal story about having to work for free to prove her capability in a male-dominated industry, being pushed over in a portaloo by her colleagues, and outlines her journey to being a change-making industry leader.
Jo also talks about her business and mission 'Build like a girl' which encourages girls to enter the trades.
A conversation not to be missed!!
(Note: Jo thankfully recorded this podcast live from the construction project during a power outage so apologies if the sound quality isn't great)
21 Nov 2021
Michelle Bowditch - CEO & Founder Door20a
Join me for the first guest in the Upstander Leader Series 🎙
Jessica Hickman Podcast chats with Michelle Bowditch (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAACsTY9kB3Faq7HayyHNdnpMK4J2BDGnW2O0) (CEO & Founder - Door20a) exploring a personal story of bullying, toxic behaviours, and impacts.
12 Nov 2021
Welcome UPstanders
Are you a bystander or upstander?
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Podcast Authority Score: 23 / 100
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